North Dakotan Earns Bush Fellowship

Jason Grueneich. (Amy Dalrymple/North Dakota Monitor)

(BY: JEFF BEACH. North Dakota Monitor) – A Bismarck man who has experienced substance abuse, recovery and living with HIV is hoping to develop his leadership skills after being awarded a Bush Foundation fellowship.

“I’ve been able to change my own life and work to help others to do the same,” Jason Grueneich told the North Dakota Monitor. “I’m just lucky to be alive and here doing the work. And it’s amazing that the Bush Foundation saw something in me.”

Grueneich’s work includes being an advocate for those living with HIV. He created Bismarck’s first LGBTQ+ recovery group and this year founded Shine Bright and Live, an HIV-focused nonprofit, and helped repeal a North Dakota state law that he said stigmatized people who are HIV positive.

Grueneich is one of three North Dakotans awarded a Bush Fellowship in 2025. Up to 30 Bush Fellows are selected each year to receive up to $150,000 to support their leadership goals. Fellows can come from any sector — including business, nonprofit and government, according to the Bush Foundation.